Councils welcome "common sense" decision on disaster funding

News Release

Councils welcome "common sense" decision on disaster funding

Queensland councils have applauded the Federal Government’s common-sense decision to reimburse councils opting to use their own plant and equipment to clean up after natural disaster events.

The announcement ensures that councils who used their own plant and equipment to rebuild damaged public assets following floods and storms of 2013 and 2014 will not be out of pocket.

A funding shortfall of $7.5 million across about 35 Queensland councils, some of which are currently cleaning up after the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie, are now eligible to be repaid under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Local Government Association of Queensland President Mayor Mark Jamieson said that today’s announcement was a result of two years of advocacy by councils and the LGAQ.

“I am very pleased that the Government has seen sense on this issue and has thrown its support behind councils using a cost-effective solution to undertake vital reconstruction work within Queensland communities,” he said.

“I particularly thank Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and other members of Federal Parliament who met with me to listen to the concerns of councils during a recent visit to Canberra.”

Mayor Jamieson said it was some of the state’s smallest councils who stood to benefit most from the decision.

“I pay tribute to councils like Barcoo Shire and Mayor Bruce Scott, as well as organisations like Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) who stood shoulder to shoulder with us during this process.”

Mayor Jamieson also thanked the State Government for its continued support and advocacy over the last two years on the issue of clarity around NDRRA repayments.

“I thank Deputy Premier Jackie Trad in particular for lobbying side-by-side with councils on this issue,” he said.

“Today’s announcement by the Commonwealth Government will provide clarity and certainty for councils in the lead-up to reform of all-important disaster funding arrangements.”

“The approval of plant and equipment and an extension of day labour until the upfront model commences in July 2018, is a double win for local governments and resolves LGAQ’s long-standing call for interim arrangements.